KARACHI: A large number of guests including government officials, politicians, diplomats, businessmen and dignitaries from all walks of life were greeted by their gracious Japanese hosts at a grand reception held to celebrate the 62nd birthday of the Emperor of Japan Naruhito.

The event was organised by the consul general of Japan in Karachi, Isomura Toshikazu, at a local hotel on Thursday.

There were a lot of polite bows and ear-to-ear smiles. The Japanese ladies in their pretty kimonos resembled butterflies fluttering about the many flower arrangements.

The reign of Emperor Naruhito officially began in 2019 when he succeeded his father Akihito, marking an end to a three-decade-long Heisei Era.

The event this year was particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the celebrations of 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan. The evening began with the playing of the national anthems of both countries.

In his address, the consul general of Japan expressed his pleasure on being able to host the national day reception after a gap of one year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He spoke about the historical significance of bilateral ties between Japan and Pakistan and congratulated the people of both countries on reaching the 70 years’ milestone with remarkable cooperation in economic, social and cultural fields.

He also stressed on the utilisation of untapped potential in business, commercial and technical areas and reiterated the Japanese government’s commitment to the further strengthening of friendly relations between the two countries.

The evening concluded with the ceremonial cutting of a pineapple and strawberry birthday cake following which the guests were served along with a scrumptious dinner featuring live making of the traditional Japanese dish sushi by Japanese chefs in their traditional attire and other Japanese and Pakistani cuisine.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2022